This snappy Shakespeare is for everyone

Times Contributor

 

When a new theatre space called the Forum was created on the Passion Play stage, a Rosebud couple just had to take advantage of it. 

“(The) new Forum is an outdoor space with fantastic acoustics,” said Brad Graham, Production Stage Manager and Head of Props at Rosebud Theatre. “I really wanted to see something theatrical happen in the space.”

Graham and his wife Glenda Warkentin, who’s acted in ‘She Has a Name’ and other productions, opened their own theatre company, Suspension of Disbelief, and will present their first production, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, at the end of August.

“’Much Ado About Nothing’ is a humorous, yet delicate story about love and jealousy,” Graham says. “It’s a roller-coaster of emotions with some very witty dialogue, and when each of the love stories resolve it is as heartwarming as a summer day.”

“I discovered Shakespeare in high school. I’d love for other young people to do the same,” he said. To that end, “We’ve found an adaptation of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ that’s snappy and still keeps the story intact.” They’re playing the timeless story in a modern setting, and using pay-what-you-can ticketing.

“I think this story has something in it for people who are in love (or would like to be), for a parent, for anyone who’s ever been jealous of someone else, and for anyone who likes to laugh,” he says. The audience will “appreciate the jibes and taunts of Beatrice and Benedick as they argue, but even more the poor mixed-up Constable Dogberry and his accommodating deputy, Verges, (whose) Columbo-style sleuthing ends up saving the day.” In short, this Shakespeare is for everyone.

The Forum’s unique design will help audiences feel they’re a part of the show. “Being outdoors and in full daylight, as well as the shape of the space, allows for our performers to really be talking (with) and maybe even hiding amongst the audience,” Graham said.

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ cast members, most of them former or current students of Rosebud School of the Arts, also serve as the crew. “We’ve drawn on individuals who possess significant acting skill (and) who are also talented designers, graphic artists, and well-rounded theatre people,” says Graham. Warkentin, for instance, is playing Beatrice and designing costumes. Kelsey Krogman of Rosebud, who’ll play Hero, designed the poster and will co-direct. Graham is both producer and director.

With their first show weeks away, Graham is already looking further ahead. “It’s my hope that we will be able to continue to develop the concept of summer Shakespeare with future productions,” he says. “There are so many fun scripts by the bard that I’d love to tackle.”

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ runs August 23 – 25 and 28 – 31 at 7:30 p.m., August 25 and 31 at 2 p.m,. All performances are pay-what-you-can. See their Facebook page for more information. Call 1-888-823-2001 to reserve seats.